Everything you need to know about the popular new facial injectable

No matter how many creams, face masks, and ointments we try to slather on, we can’t outrun the signs of aging.

It starts somewhere around our early twenties; our bodies decrease the amount of collagen we produce, resulting in fine facial lines, wrinkles, and dry, sagging skin. And with so many new, minimally invasive procedures available today, how do you know which one is right for you?

Enter: Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers are the new “non-surgical” facelift on the block that help create and restore lost facial volume and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. With no recovery time, no downtime, and immediate results, dermal fillers are becoming the number one non-invasive cosmetic procedure by patients and estheticians alike. But what exactly are dermal fillers? This guide will help you better understand dermal fillers, what they are, how fillers work, and if they are right for you. Sound good? Let’s jump in!

What exactly are Dermal Fillers, and How Do They Work?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected underneath the skin in a localized area. Their job is to restore lost volume in some body areas, such as the lips or tear trough, by adding a very subtle, controlled way (no fake duck lips here!).

They are versatile, minimally invasive, and relatively low risk, making them a popular option for people looking to drink from the fountain of youth and get the upper hand on any early signs of aging.

Dermal Fillers are FDA approved to address these concerns:

• Brow Furrows
• Crow’s Feet
• Frown Lines
• Under-eye lines
• Pronounced Nasolabial Folds
• Fine Lips
• Vertical Lip Lines
• Cheek Enhancement
• Acne Scarring

Types of Dermal Fillers

Not all dermal fillers are equal! According to the FDA, there are four different categories of dermal fillers. Each dermal filler is named for the type of material it’s made with:

• Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by your body and is already found in your skin and cartilage. Dermal fillers made with hyaluronic acid last between 6-12 months.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral that is found within our bones. Dermal fillers made with this can last up to around 18 months.
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable synthetic material used to make medical products like dissolvable stitches. Because of their material, these fillers may last up to two years.
• Polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA) are the only filler that our bodies cannot absorb (aka the results are permanent). These fillers are typically only used around the mouth.

How Do I Know Which Dermal Filler to Try?

A good esthetician will help diagnose and formulate the ideal treatment plan for you, but just a head’s up, the most natural-looking results may require more than one type of filler.

In terms of dermal filler “brands,” there are several different filler brands within each category of filler, and the products vary in how they should be used.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers (such as Restylane® & Juvederm®) add volume and contouring to the facial tissue to clear the signs of early aging. These HA types of dermal fillers can help you see improvements in areas such as:

• Acne scars
• Cheek depressions
• Crow’s feet (at the corner of your eyes)
• Nasolabial furrows and smile lines
• Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
• Redefining and contouring the lips
• Smoker’s lines and vertical lines around the mouth

HA fillers also help stimulate our bodies’ natural collagen production. The only difference between hyaluronic acid fillers and their counterparts is the size of the particles, which are designed to address different wrinkle sizes and depths (smaller particles for fine lines and larger particles for deeper wrinkles and folds). HA fillers typically last up to 12 months before being absorbed naturally within the body.

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers treat the deeper facial wrinkles and skin folds. These fillers can help the doctor contour the jawline more effectively and restore volume in and around the cheeks. These filler injections may last up to three years when used to fill wrinkles and tend to last up to one year when used for facial contouring.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was initially developed to treat severe facial wasting in HIV infection but is now FDA-approved to address signs of facial aging. As a dermal filler, PLLA filler’s primary ability is to stimulate natural collagen synthesis in the skin in the injected areas. Lower face wrinkles such as smile and marionette lines and chin wrinkles are usually treated. Injections can last up to two years.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic, nonbiodegradable substance that, when used as a dermal filler, takes the form of tiny microspheres suspended in a collagen-based gel. When injected, The collagen adds immediate volume, while the PMMA microspheres stimulate natural collagen production in the body over time. PMMA fillers can be used to fill in lips and soften depressed scars. Results can last up to five years.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are the perfect non-invasive cosmetic procedure to consider when you want a little bit of a subtle lift or, as some patients say, “I just want to look a little better,” without having to go under the knife. Other benefits include:

1. Increased collagen and elastin production

We know that as we age, collagen production starts naturally decreasing. One of the main ingredients in most dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid, which helps boost collagen and elastin levels in areas where injected and keeps results lasting longer while looking effortlessly natural.

2. The Results Are Almost Immediate

If you are plumping up your lips or smoothing out fine lines, dermal fillers produce results in as little as one week. With proper care and upkeep, your dermal fillers can also last a pretty long time.

3. They Can Be Used With Other Treatments

One of the most significant benefits of dermal fillers is that you can pair them with other facial injectable treatments! Dermal fillers combined with Botox treatment can give a more dramatic, natural-looking facial transformation.

If you suffer from deeper fine lines and wrinkles, Xeomin and Botox are both great additions to consider with your dermal fillers. They work together to help prevent future, deeper wrinkles from forming by paralyzing and freezing the muscles while also stimulating natural collagen production.

4. Confidence boost, anyone?

Aging is a natural process and a beautiful one! But that doesn’t mean that it makes it any easier to see how the passing of time affects our faces and bodies as we age. We deserve to feel good, and no matter how hard we try to eliminate all of the toxins and stressors in our environment, we may need a little help.

Dermal fillers are an excellent way to help give your skin and confidence the boost it didn’t even know it needed. That’s because the goal of dermal fillers is to help enhance your natural beauty, keeping you looking like you, just a little more vibrant.

5. The Results Are Long-Lasting

The effects of most dermal fillers range anywhere from 6-18 months, depending on several factors. We recommend getting short-term injections to begin so you get a sense of how they look and feel. Then, if you’re up for it, you can opt for longer-lasting injections when your fillers have settled, and you can see how your results look.

6. The Effects Are Natural-looking

“Did you get work done?”

Maybe, maybe not. With dermal fillers, the effects of dermal fillers look natural (because they are). We’ve had patients say people compliment how they look and try to figure out what looks different but can never tell what they have done. So, you could tell everyone you had a great night’s sleep.

7. They Minimize the Look of Scars

Do you suffer from acne scars? Or scarring in general? One of the most significant benefits of dermal fillers is that they can improve and minimize the appearance of facial scars. The hyaluronic acid in some dermal fillers can also soften scar tissue around the injection site.

8. They Don’t Require Recovery Time.

The only recovery recommended is to avoid exercising for 24 hours after your appointment and avoid taking ibuprofen for the next 24-48 hours. Otherwise, that’s it!

What’s it like Getting Dermal Fillers?

A Consultation should always come before your filler appointments. Consults are essential for you and the esthetician/physician treating you. There, you can explain your concerns and the look you desire to achieve, and that way, they can put together the best treatment plan for you based on your individual needs and lifestyle.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Injectable dermal filler is an outpatient procedure. On arrival, we will remove any makeup from the treatment area and apply a topical numbing cream to injection areas. Once the numbing cream has taken effect, it’s removed from your skin, and the area is then cleaned with a medical-grade antibacterial cleanser before treatment begins. Treatment typically takes 15-30 minutes per filler syringe, depending on which area is treated.

Aftercare

It would be best to avoid exercising the following 24 hours after your procedure and ibuprofen for the next 24-48 hours. The results are immediately visible at the end of the treatment, but you’ll notice the effects more as the filler takes on more hydration over the next two weeks.

What are some Potential Side Effects of Dermal Fillers?

The most common side effect is injection site bruising, which typically takes one-to-two weeks to resolve completely.

In Conclusion

With all of the growing stressors and toxins in our environment, we need more help to give our skin the boost of hydration it so desperately needs. Dermal fillers are an excellent choice for those who want to look a little better by adding subtle, soft volume to areas that are starting to show signs of aging.

Dermal fillers can also help boost our body’s natural collagen production, making it a great, minimally- invasive alternative to a surgical facelift. And when you combine dermal fillers with other treatments, such as Botox, they can create an even more incredible facial transformation that is natural-looking and requires no downtime.

Now, dermal fillers aren’t the remedy for happiness, and they may not be for everyone. However, if you suffer from deep facial lines and wrinkles or low confidence and self-esteem, dermal fillers can be a great option to boost morale and improve your overall quality of life.

Are you looking for an injector or cosmetic dentist in the Palm Beach County area?

Look no further! If you’re interested in combining lip treatments or hearing more about what we can do for you, call our office to book a consult! (561) 965-6003. Need more information? Check out our website www.dentalartsofatlantis.com click here and talk to us about scheduling a consult in our office.